RENO, NV – SAEN, a national research watchdog organization, has
learned that the Charles River Corporation violated the Animal Welfare
Act over 20 times in 2006 and another 11 times in the first half of
2007. The mounting violations follow the issuance of an “Official
Warning” by the USDA for incidents in 2005.

Recently obtained USDA/APHIS Animal Care inspection reports reveal
four incidents in one CRL lab located in Nevada where negligent handling
of primates by unqualified personnel resulted in injuries severe enough
to warrant amputation of the monkeys’ fingers in 2007.

Government documents revealed a 2006 incident at a Philadelphia area
Charles River site reported that rabbits developed 4 ˝ inch skin lesions
without veterinary treatment. Serious issues are also raised about
painful experiments without anesthesia. An episode at a Massachusetts
site demonstrated that one primate had serious mental pathologies.

“It is clear that warning Charles River had no impact,” said Michael
A. Budkie, A.H.T., SAEN’s Executive Director. “It is time for the USDA
to take serious action against CRL.”

SAEN has contacted the USDA to demand the immediate issuance of a
major fine against CRL for the finger amputation incident. Dr. Elizabeth
Goldentyer, Director of the USDA/APHIS/AC’s Eastern Region has been
contacted.

During 2006 CRL amassed over 20 violations in the areas of veterinary
care, Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee, feeding, housing,
sanitation, environmental enhancement, and filing of the annual report.

During 2007 areas of citations included primary enclosures,
sanitation, housing, and unqualified personnel.